One of the big draws in Palm Springs has to be the modernist architecture. Some amazing examples of desert modernism are easy to see from the side of the road in the comfort of your car. But to get a little something more in-depth, you'll want to get inside.

A great way to get to know a new city is by getting an expert to show you the ropes. Signing yourself up for a tour or a guided experience doesn't have to be boring or clichéd. Today's tours in Palm Springs are much more interactive and interesting, and you won't find a guide with an umbrella or a flag in sight!

This month we've been featuring amazing guided experiences in Palm Springs. Having a guide show you some of the intricacies of city life, behind-the-scenes sites, or relating specific local knowledge can make a good trip into a great and memorable vacation. While we've previously covered home tours, as well as insider historic and walking tours, today we’re stepping outside the city limits.

Want to get your pilot’s wings? No need for lessons. Just step inside the gift shop at the Palm Springs Air Museum (www.palmspringsairmuseum.org). Choose from hundreds of authentic-looking pilots’ wings pins ranging from commercial airlines to military.

Visiting a new city and exploring their shops and services can be exciting. When you discover a new place with cool clothes, amazing housewares or the perfect objet d’ art it can create a lasting memory for your travels. Palm Springs and area are filled with great places to shop whether you have a couple hours or a day.

Back in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, Tiki restaurants were a popular national phenomenon and one of the best known of the genre was Don the Beachcomber. The chain's Palm Springs location opened in March 1953 on the corner of Via Lola and North Palm Canyon in what's now the city's Uptown Design District.

A new executive chef (formerly of the Parker Palm Springs), a new menu, new craft cocktails and a new owner (Palm Springs local John Fritch) make Peaks Restaurant (https://www.pstramway.com/dining/), at the top of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a fine-dining experience par excellence.

Getting away to Palm Springs is a treat. But having a great vacation, or long weekend can often hinge on where you stay. Picking the wrong hotel if you’re hoping to relax and unwind can leave you sleepless, while if you’re looking to party, choosing a place that’s too quiet can stifle your fun.

Here are a few great hotels that can match the vibe you’re looking for.